An Actual Kindle Phone?! | Boox Palma Unboxing & Review

Unboxing the Onyx Boox Palma, a remarkable e-ink Android smartphone that isn't quite a phone, or a tablet, or a Kindle. It's a strange wee beast, and here's a full tour of the Boox Palma, testing that screen with novels, video, even gaming on Call of Duty. Spoiler alert: don't expect a good kill:death ratio.

The Onyx Boox Palma is a smartphone in every way, except for the lack of SIM support. It's too small to really be a tablet, with its dinky 6.1-inch screen - although you can run any Play Store app on the 'E Ink Carta 1200' display. Well, some stuff like Netflix doesn't play ball, but I even managed to get Call of Duty running.

The 16MP rear camera is also more intended as a document scanner than an actual everyday photography device. The Boox Palma doesn't even have a selfie cam, while the audio output is basic at best.

Still, if you want a pocket-sized device with impressive battery life for reading books and simple web browsing, this Onyx device is certainly a winner. Personally I'd be more tempted by the TCL 40 NxtPaper than the Boox Palma however, with its 'paper like' screen.

Let us know your thoughts below!

Boox Palma Unboxing & Review Chapters:
0:00 - It's a what now?
1:04 - What's in the box?
1:29 - Design
2:48 - Android & features
5:30 - Apps
6:36 - E Ink Carta 1200 Display
8:05 - Screen refresh
9:19 - Audio
9:54 - Gaming test with Call of Duty
11:12 - Battery life
11:45 - Camera
12:10 - Byyyyeeeee

[DiniduPerera]

The fact that you even CAN run Call of Duty on an e-ink display is impressive.

[alanspence]

Extraordinary that so many commentators criticise this for not being something different to what it is just because it has the same shape as something else. From other reviews it seems people that have one choose this over their other larger ereader to read books because the size is so convenient.

[jaboinga]

Personally, this device sounds perfect for my needs. I've always wanted a device with an e ink screen that's compatible with Android so I could use it with my local library's ebook apps, which have books that aren't always available with a "send to Kindle" rental. I personally don’t mind it not having sim support as I definitely wouldn't replace my traditional smartphone, but I could see how that would be useful to people looking for a step in-between a smart phone and a "dumb" phone.

[jesuslopez]

how are you so calm and not blown away? I mean this is game changer, in a few years we will definitely switch to e-ink smartphones, I always wanted to reduce screen time, and there is no better time to do it with this tech, kind of a dumb phone

[burger]

With sim support, I would have already had it in my hands... Hopefully they can get into that market and even have a kaleido 3 phone, which would be the first in the world

[johnhornemadrid]

I come for the tech and stay for the banter 👏🏼👏🏼

[fcsolis]

This is the perfect device to read a chapter or two of a novel before lights out. Thank you.

[alannah_hegbug]

I've been dying for a smartphone sized ereader for years! It's a little spendy for me personally but I might have to try it out!

[davefink]

I’m seriously considering this to use as an outdoor bright sunlight video monitor paired with an action camera. Just for framing shots on the fly without having to squint into a tiny GoPro screen or constantly shade the Bluetooth phone just to see what I’m filming - and worrying about phone battery capacity dwindling to nothing in just an hour.

[JayneAFK]

It's not that strange that the Palma doesn't have sim support. Onyx is a Chinese company that specialises in e-readers and other e ink devices, and making an actual mobile, one with international support, can be on the expensive side. It does sound like the company is interested in turning this line into smartphones eventually though. I'd love a Palma with a kaleido 3 colour screen, with phone capabilities would be a massive bonus - especially for me mam, because e ink screens have the benefit of being very visible in sunlight unlike normal screens - but would take a Palma colour without that too.

[MythicSuns]

It's basically an Android powered Ebook reader that's shaped like a phone. If it wasn't the price and lack of any colour support I'd go for that, but I wouldn't market it as a phone.

[ogbs]

Why are you calling this a smartphone in your title and description when it isn't a phone, and isn't marketed as one?
It is a pocketable eReader.

[planetminecraft]

This phone is definitely unique. I always wondered what a Kindle style smartphone would be like.

[stephaniemcclure]

As someone who has a Kindle, Kobo and use Libby and Audible on my phone I ordered one of these to be a one stop shop

[naturalmystic]

If this support SIM I'll definitely buy one

[mooseratt]

This is an e reader with some extra functionality.

I think calling it a phone is doing it a disservice as you're marketing it as something it's not and skewing expectations.

[CumbrianEscrima]

Personally this review is a bit unusual as it keeps asking about sim support, does a kindle or kobo have sim support? maybe e readers do these days i dunno, but personally the purpose of an e reader is to switch off your phone and have quiet time with a device that isnt connected to the internet. I dont want my ereader playing COD I want to read. As a teacher i know this is an old concept these days, lets leave the internet to phones and just enjoy getting some peace and quiet. That being said being an early adopter doesnt work often but as boox are an established company with some of their book readers touching $500 where I am, It will be ok. The splashproof is nice for poolside reading of course it does also come with a case but about three different ones are available. One reviewer said the stock one was bad just to be aware. Stylus support and writing ability like some of the more expensive ones would have been nice btw

[ahmed-xvl]

It will be perfect when it will have onyx pen support! Imagine scribing notes on the go on this, just awesome!
Sim support would be nice too..

[Fearrange]

In the absence of a SIM card, the device lacks a selfie camera, making it a suitable option for individuals concerned about potential tracking, after the iPod Touch.

[ninjanerdstudent]

This would be great as a dedicated mp3 player! I love it!